What exactly is a charity challenge?

As outlined by the Institute of Fundraising: "the aspect which distinguishes 'a charity challenge event' is that the participant can also be getting a additional than notional benefit, which in a lot of cases includes a monetary value attached, and seeks to fundraise from supporters in respect of their participation".

Can smaller sized charities get in on the act?

In a word: yes! Supporters of smaller charities can raise funds by taking aspect in any quantity of 'open' overseas challenge events, arranged by charity challenge tour operators for example Classic Tours, Charity Challenge as well as the Ultimate Travel Company's Ultimate Challenges.

Charity challenges: the benefits and drawbacks

There's no doubt that overseas challenges can have big benefits for charities:

Publicity: Overseas challenges are a great way of gaining public attention, specifically if a celebrity is involved.

Long-term assistance: Charities testify that the intensity with the adventure vacation challenge expertise, with its sense of shared achievement and genuine hardships overcome, usually translates into long-term assistance.

Sustained advance exposure: Kate Favell, World Experiences Occasion project manager at the British Heart Foundation, points out that those participating in major overseas travel challenges are probably to become engaged in fundraising for many months before an event requires spot. Charities hence benefit drastically from sustained public exposure.

Mission and message - the double whammy: For charities which include the British Heart Foundation, overseas travel challenges are also an awesome way of reinforcing the life style options they aim to promote a lot more normally: exercise, healthful eating etc.

But it is not all positive. It really is crucial to consider the following, also:

The financial climate: Charities suggest that the downturn has undoubtedly affected overseas challenges, but in subtle techniques. Based on Denise Davies, Head of Neighborhood Fundraising at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, much more modest weekend and European challenges have suffered; folks are now focusing on their 'must do' experiences. In response, the MND Association has changed its technique, focusing on offering the overseas charity challenge 'big 3': Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and the Wonderful Wall of China. Kate Favell at the BHF reports that fundraisers are also finding it tougher, and needing longer, to raise sponsorship. So it's crucial to help keep in touch with participants to help them if they will need further inspiration or inventive fundraising concepts.

The charity/challenge balance: Charles Getliffe at charity travel tour operators Classic Tours, warns charities against getting seduced into providing a number of exotic events. It's not 'appropriate', says Charles, for charities to set themselves up as travel agents: fewer, extra targeted events send out a better signal all round.

Tour operators: function and selection
The number of organizations specialising in overseas charity challenges is expanding, and also the tour operator you decide on will play a essential part in ensuring your achievement. In theory, operators handle the logistics of arranging the adventure holiday travel challenge, although charities are accountable for promotion and the collection of monies.

In practice, it is seldom clear reduce, and tour operators usually offer comprehensive suggestions and help on such issues as marketing and advertising, legal considerations and organizing. (It really is worth noting that The Ultimate Travel Company's Ultimate Challenges recommend starting to program any overseas challenge event 12-14 months in advance.)

The Institute of Fundraising suggest investigating both the tour operator and their subcontractors completely - as an example, look at security records and ethical policy - and cross-check with any relevant sector bodies. Take into account your very own rights as a charity when you are unable to proceed together with your planned challenge, as well as what type of deal the operator is offering participants: one example is, are they being asked to sign unreasonable liability waivers?

Just how much can overseas challenges raise?
Of course, this can differ considerably but, as Charles Getliffe at Classic Tours reiterates, it can be critical always to help keep The Charity Commission's guidelines in thoughts. Any challenge must raise 50 per cent, and ideally 60 per cent, additional than the price of administrating and operating the challenge.

Denise Davies supplies the following instance:

A recent MND Association Machu Picchu trek price every single participant £2,900. The funds raised by the 38 participants totalled £191,000. £75,000 of this was spent on operating and administrating charges, such as a payment of £67,000 for the tour operators, resulting within a final total of £116,000 net getting raised for the charity.

Which travel charity challenge?
The exciting bit. But while a Peruvian pony trek could grab the focus, for some charities a European bike ride is additional feasible. Plus, the latter will earn you low carbon points also: never forget to think about feasible crucial coverage your occasion may possibly attract. Other problems to consider include:

Other charities' activities: The Institute of Fundraising propose researching other charities' activities to avoid conflicts and over-saturation (Everest can only accommodate countless sponsored mountaineers!).

Place: Consider probably hazards - natural and human - and seek the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if vital. Publicity also can be tougher to come by if the place you decide on for your event is obscure.

Existing help: What would be the interests of your existing supporters? Profiling present donors in order to determine regions of interest is essential, plus it really is critical to be guided by their probably capabilities. An Everest challenge isn't best if most of your supporters are in their seventies!

Bespoke or open? Tour operators usually offer you 'bespoke' challenges (exclusive to the charity concerned) and 'open' challenges. Open challenges are conceived and planned by tour operators themselves, and participants then sign as much as raise revenue for what ever cause they choose. As Connie Potter in the Ultimate Travel Corporation points out, bespoke challenges call for financial commitments from charities - by way of example, a non-refundable deposit for group flights - and thus aren't normally an alternative for smaller organisations. However, the added benefits of bespoke events are considerable: exclusive branding, and also a higher team spirit (resulting from the truth of a uniting prevalent result in), which is far more likely to translate into long-term support. Classic Tours' Charles Getliffe advises charities who aim to enlist far more than 30 participants to go for a bespoke event.

Legal challenges
Because the Institute of Fundraising points out, the legal concerns surrounding overseas charity challenges are extremely complex, and charities will have to seek independent legal guidance. Though the Institute can't such provide advice itself, it suggests the Charity Law Association as one supply of assist.

The Institute's personal Charity Challenges Events Code of Fundraising Practice is essential reading for any one wishing to set up a challenge event. It presents a supply of greatest practice guidance, but shouldn't be applied as a substitute for legal advice. The Institute also emphasise that the Charity Challenges Events Code have to be read in conjunction using the Code of Fundraising Practice as a complete.